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Drug Class Description
Osmotic laxatives.Generic Name
LactuloseDrug Description
Active Ingredient: Lactulose Solution BP 99.897 % v/v (Equivalent to 62.0-74.0% w/v of Lactulose).Presentation
Oral solution. Banana FlavourIndications
Constipation; Hepatic encephalopathy (Portal systemic encephalopathy)Adult Dosage
For oral administration.
Adults:
Constipation: 15ml once or twice daily.
Hepatic Encephalopathy: Initially 30-50ml three times daily, adjust dose to produce 2 or 3 soft stools daily.
Child Dosage
Children:
1-5 years: 5ml twice daily.
5-10 years: l0ml twice daily.
Contra Indications
Lactugal is contra-indicated where there is evidence of gastro-intestinal obstruction and to patients with galactosaemia
Special Precautions
There are no warnings or precautions for patients with any impaired organ function.
Lactulose should be used with caution in patients exhibiting lactose intolerance.
Due to the product's physiological mode of action it may take up to 48 hours before effects are obtained, however, the product does exhibit a 'carry over' effect which may enable the patient to reduce the dose gradually over a period of time.
Lactulose solution has a calorific value of approximately 19Kcals/5mI. As, however, only negligible amounts of lactulose are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract the available calories will be much lower than this, and therefore, is unlikely to adversely affect diabetes.
Interactions
There are no known interactions with lactulose
Adverse Reactions
A normal dosage of lactulose may cause mild abdominal pain and flatulence which will disappear spontaneously after a few days. High doses may provoke nausea in some patients and this can be minimised by administration with water, fruit juice or meals.
Manufacturer
Intrapharm Laboratories LtdDrug Availability
POMUpdated
18 May 2009